Richard S. Fitol

1950 - 2017

After a long illness, Richard Stanley Fitol of Woodstock, CT passed from this earthly world to the next. He was born in Derby, CT, the much loved, only child of Wanda (Poteraj) and Stanley Joseph Fitol, both deceased. Richard lived in Derby, New Haven, and Hamden before moving to Woodstock in 2005 with his beloved fiancee, Beverly Johnson. In addition to his fiancee, he also leaves his dear cousins Renee Poteraj of Branford and Yvonne Poteraj Vanderhorst (Peter) of Melrose, MA. During their many years together, Beverly's family members also became Richard's loving family: Gregory Catalano (Kristen Herman) and Amy Catalano. He was a doting Gramps and Dziadzi to Abbey Catalano and Max Corvino. Richard graduated from Derby High School in 1967 and received his B.S., M.S., and 6th year Professional Study degree from Southern Connecticut State University. He was the Librarian/Media Specialist at Shelton High School for over 30 years and was also the Librarian at Wallingford's Sheehan High School Adult Education Program for over 20 years. For more than two decades, he served as a volunteer firefighter, attaining the rank of Lieutenant, at the East End Hose Company 3 in Derby. The family wishes to gratefully acknowledge the professional expertise and loving care Richard received from Dr. Mandeep Dhami, the nurses and staff of the Day Kimball Oncology Department, and Hospice and Palliative Care of Northeastern CT during the past year and one half. They are also thankful for the services of the Emergency Personnel of the Bungay Fire Brigade and the Eastford Independent Fire Company #1. A Memorial Service will be held for Richard at the Unitarian Society of New Haven, 700 Hartford Turnpike, Hamden CT at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 15, 2017. Donations may be made in his name to East End Hose Company 3 in Derby, Friends of the New Haven Animal Shelter, Bungay Fire Brigade in Woodstock, or www.mds-foundation.org. Interment will be private at the family's convenience. For memorial guestbook, visit www.GilmanAndValade.com